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[deijnar]

I wrote a thing!

Title: Tall stories, tiny humans

Author:

Artist:

Beta reader:

Characters: Stede Bonnet, Edward Teach, Lucius Spriggs, Mary Allamby Bonnet, Alma Bonnet, Israel Hands, Oluwande Boodhari, the Crew, "Calico" Jack Rackham, Fang

Relationship(s): Stede Bonnet/Edward Teach (Lucius/Pete & Olu/Jim)

Rating: Teen and Up

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Kindergarten & Pre-school, Romance, Fluff, Angst, Fluff and Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Found Family, chosen family, the crew as kindergarten teachers, wholesome stuff, and then a lot of drama, no season 2 spoiler, Written Before Our Flag Means Death (TV) Season 02

Warnings: panic attacks, depression, minor thoughts of death, homophobic slurs, ***SPOILER*** (false accusations of) child abuse ***SPOILER***

Summary:

Kindergarten AU, modern setting:

The crew is working at a kindergarten, with Stede being an apprentice after quitting his old job. The grumpy owner of the apartment building on the other side of the street, Izzy, schemes against the kindergarten and wants it gone. But his accountant and best friend, Ed, develops feelings for Stede after they meet for the first time in a rather uncommon way. As they become closer, Izzy watches in disdain and, after a fight with Ed, decides to intervene. So, he asks for Jack’s help, a father whose children are in Stede’s class. What ensues does not just mess with Stede's career and his relationship with Ed but also his life as a whole.

Wordcount: 44,338

[deijnar]

Fanfiction Authors: HEADS UP

(Non-authors, please RB to signal boost to your author friends!)

An astute reader informed me this morning that one of my fics (Children of the Future Age) had been pirated and was being sold as a novel on Amazon:

(And they weren't even creative with their cover design. If you're going to pirate something that I spent a full year of my life writing, at least give me a pretty screenshot to brag about later. Seriously.)

I promptly filed a DMCA complaint to have it removed, but I checked out the company that put it up -- Plush Books -- and it looks like A LOT of their books are pirated fic. They are by no means the only ones doing this, either -- the fact that """publishers""" can download stories from AO3 in ebook format and then reupload them to Amazon in just a few clicks makes fic piracy a common problem. There are a whole host of reasons why letting this continue is bad -- including actual legal risk to fanfiction archives -- but basically:

IF YOU ARE A FANFIC AUTHOR WITH LONG AND/OR POPULAR WORKS, PLEASE CHECK AMAZON TO SEE IF YOUR STORIES HAVE BEEN PIRATED.

You can search for your fics by title, or by text from the description (which is often just copied wholesale from AO3 as well). If you find that someone has stolen your work and is selling it as their own, you can lodge a DMCA complaint (Amazon.com/USA site; other countries have different systems). If you haven't done this before, it's easy! Here's a tutorial:

HOW TO FILE A COPYRIGHT COMPLAINT FOR STOLEN WORK ON AMAZON.COM:

First, go to this form. You'll need to be signed into your Amazon account.

Select the radio buttons/dropdown options (shown below) to indicate that you are the legal Rights Owner, you have a copyright concern, and it is about a pirated product.

Enter the name of your story in the Name of Brand field.

In the Link to the Copyrighted Work box, enter a link to the story on AO3 or whatever site your work is posted on.

In the Additional Information box, explain that you are the author of the work and it is being sold without your permission. That's all you really need. If you want, you can include additional information that might be helpful in establishing the validity of your claim, but you don't have to go into great detail. You can simply write something like this:

I am the author of this work, which is being sold by [publisher] without my permission. I originally published this story in [date/year] on [name of site], and have provided a link to the original above. On request, I can provide documentation proving that I am the owner of the account that originally posted this story.

In the ASIN/ISBN-10 field, copy and paste the ID number from the pirated copy's URL. You'll find this ten-digit number in the Amazon URL after the word "product," as in the screenshot below. (If the URL extends beyond this number, you can ignore everything from the question mark on.) Once this number has been added, Amazon will pull the product information automatically and add it to the complaint form, so you can check the listing title and make sure it's correct.

Finally, add your contact information to the relevant fields, check the "I have read and accept the statements" box, and then click Submit. You should receive an email confirmation that Amazon has received the form.

Please share this information with your writer friends, keep an eye out for/report pirated works, and help us keep fanfiction free and legally protected!

NOTE: All of the above also applies to Amazon products featuring stolen artwork, etc., so fan artists should check too!

[deijnar]

Fighting Destiny - Chapter 1 (Don't wait)

The Owl House, Colorblind Soulmates AU

<Prologue // next chapter>

AO3

“Hey, kid! Gimme the flask with that red liquid, would you?”

Eda is stretching her hand out to Luz behind her without looking, focused on the cauldron in front of her. Although she’s asked multiple times, Eda’s vague and enigmatic answers still left Luz wondering whether Eda is doing some magic stuff she is supposed to learn from or if she’s merely cooking. But, magic or not, Luz finds herself unable to fulfill the request. She looks at King for help who’s laying on the table a few feet away from her, curled in comfortably and ready to take a nap. “Which one’s red?”

“Huh?” Confused, King looks up at her. “What do you mean?” Drowsily, he gets up and walks towards the small bottles on the table and holds one up that’s almost as big as his own head. “That one, obviously. Can’t you-”

“Thanks!” Before King can finish his question, Luz snatches the flask from him and tosses it into Eda’s still outstretched hand. 

She’s not only tired of this kind of conversation at this point, she’s also kind of afraid they’ll think less of her after they know. It’s already tough to prove to them she’s not just a weak human and doesn’t have to be kept safe from all the cool magic this place has to offer. What if they see her as even more pathetic than they already do, what if they send her back? What if Eda won’t-

“Wait, are you colorblind?” By now, Eda has turned around to her and looks at her with the same astonished expression as King. If she wouldn’t think it was impossible, Luz would say they almost look fascinated.

“Uhm… yeah?” Looking down, Luz draws circles on the ground with her foot nervously. “Is that… a problem?”

Now, King just looks confused. “Why would that be a problem?”

“Nah, of course not.” Eda waves off her concern and turns back around with a shrug. “I just thought you humans don’t have soulmates, is all. Guess I was wrong.”

Luz blinks. She’s not sure what’s more confusing to her: That the word ‘soulmate’ has just been used in a factly manner without any context whatsoever or that Eda seems so chill with being wrong about something. Although she hasn’t known her for long yet, Luz is pretty sure Eda is a person who loves to be right about things. 

“Wait, what?”

In the blink of an eye, Eda whirls back around to face her, pointing her finger at her triumphantly. “HAH! I knew it!”

Yeah, no, not chill at all.

Suddenly, King doesn’t look tired anymore and looks at Luz with round, excited eyes. “Oh oh oh!” He jumps up and down, clapping his claws together. “Maybe you have a soulmate!”

Still confused, if not more so than before, Luz looks from King to Eda. “So… you’re telling me that not only magic is real but also soulmates?” The excitement she felt when she first set foot into this world, which has since then subsided due to numerous tedious, un-magical tasks, hits her again, even stronger than before. 

A soulmate? Someone who gets her, who connects with her, who understands her… Someone who is meant for her? Her heart skips a beat at the thought.

“In this world, they are.” Eda points for her to sit down. “But that doesn’t necessarily mean-”

“LUZ HAS A SOULMATE?” Hooty enters so quickly that he almost crashes into the wall on the other side of the room. “Hoo boy, how thrilling!”

Luz beams at him, practically buzzing with excitement herself. 

“Maybe.” Yet again, Eda tries to interfere with her enthusiasm about the wonderful magic of this place. Why can’t she ever just let her dream? “Listen, kid, I’m not saying it’s impossible for you to have a soulmate but I don’t want you to get your hopes up just to find out you’re… simply colorblind in the end.” 

Ignoring the worried expression on Eda’s face, Luz turns to the people in the room who share her positivity. She gasps as she looks at King and Hooty. “Or maybe I was meant to enter this realm.”

“To meet your soulmate”, King continues her thought with amazement in his voice. 

“Destiny”, Hooty adds, his eyes sparkling. Then, he looks at Luz with a determined, serious expression. “We have to find them.” 

King jumps to his feet. “Yes!”

Feeling tears well up in her eyes, Luz clasps both of her hands over her mouth. “You guys would really help me with that?”

Before either of them can answer or even nod, the trio’s conversation gets interrupted by the loud thud of Eda slamming her hands onto the table. For a moment, she just sternly looks at them as they stare back at her wide-eyed and startled. Then, Eda slowly sits down and when she begins to speak, there’s a graveness to her voice that Luz is not familiar with.

“A soulmate bond isn’t always all roses and sunshine, you two should know that.” To avoid Eda’s reproachful gaze, both Hooty and King look to the ground. “I don’t want you to get her all dreamy about it just to have her end up broken-hearted.”

Luz watches quietly as King walks over to Eda and curls up in her lap without saying a word while Hooty rests his head softly against hers. “Oh, come on, this isn’t about me. I didn’t say that to get you all sentimental and emotional.” Shaking her head, Eda places King back on the table and nudges Hooty off of her shoulder. 

But the emotions behind her eyes betray the nonchalance in her voice. Even Luz can tell that this is no easy topic for her usually rather goofy mentor. Yet, before she can even think about being considerate, her mouth is already talking. “What happened to you?”

“Nothing of importance for you”, Eda answers firmly. “Just know that soul bounds are complex and complicated, just like magic is. Don’t make the mistake of constantly romanticizing things that can end up hurting you.”

Logically, Luz knows that Eda is just trying to protect her and that there’s truth to her words. Emotionally, though, she can’t help but feel gravely disappointed. How is she supposed to come to terms with not just the information that soulmates are real, apparently, but also the fear that this might be a bad thing after all? 

Seeing the discouraged and sad expression on Luz’s face as she’s looking down at her fidgeting hands, Eda sighs. “Which doesn’t mean we can’t explain to you how it works.”

Immediately, Luz’s head shoots back up, a hopeful gleam back in her eyes instantly. 

“Please.”

Nodding in agreement, Eda leans back in her chair. “Hooty, King, feel free to add aspects I’m forgetting about.” 

Both of them agree, still seeming to be concerned about Eda. Luz would really love to know what went down between her and her soulmate, it seems to be an enormous deal. Eda doesn’t seem like anyone could hurt her… Then again, maybe that’s just a facade she built up after ‘the incident. Hopefully, she will trust Luz enough one day to tell her.

“So, soulmates. Where do I start? Well, first of all, pretty much every being on the boiling isles is born colorblind.”

Luz’s eyes seem to almost pop out of her head at the statement. “Everyone??”

Grinning, Eda nods. “Yup. With some exceptions, of course. There are always exceptions for everything but you’ll get why in a bit.” Realizing that this might take a while, the witch gets comfortable in her seat as she places her feet on the table in front of her. “Basically, we are all born colorblind here and only start to see colors the moment we meet our soulmate. Some say it’s because ‘only they can help us see how beautiful the world truly is’ or some bullshit”, Eda draws air quotes into the air as she speaks, leaving no doubt that she ridicules this sentiment, “but that’s nothing more than a personal opinion. One I disagree with if you couldn’t tell.” Saying that, her expression darkens for a moment. But before anyone can comment on that, King hurries to continue. 

“I’m special!” 

With a smile, Luz starts to tickle his belly. "Yes, you are, aren’t you? Special boy!” 

Giggling bashfully, King gently pushes her hand away with a blush. “No, I mean, soulmate-wise. I’m only seeing a few colors yet.”

At that, Luz furrows her brows. “A few? What do you mean?”

“Even if there is a person out there who is amazing and powerful enough to be meant for me, the King of demons, I haven’t met them yet. No one has made my world explode in colors or anything. But, well, I-”

“EDA AND KING ARE FORMING THEIR OWN SOULBOND” Hooty suddenly blares out, obviously too impatient to endure the tension, causing King to glare at him for stealing the spotlight. 

Once again, Luz’s eyes widen as she gasps loudly. “No way!”

“Yes way” King says proudly, beaming at Eda who nods assuringly.

“It’s true. We don’t rely on destiny, we’re making our own”, she explains as she pats King’s head who starts to giggle again.

“Woah.” There really isn’t anything more Luz could say. She’s rendered entirely speechless.

“Impressive, huh? Told you I’m special.” 

Watching the two of them interact and thinking about the family they have built that Luz has been lucky enough to be a part of for the past few days, she wonders if this may be an even better kind of soulmates. To be chosen not by fate but by the person themselves and to work on forming a bond together. 

Love in its purest form.

“So, a soulbond can be platonic as well?” 

With another nod, Eda continues. “Platonic and romantic bonds are the most common but that’s not all. I’ve heard about family soulbonds and even some that were based on careers. The bonds are as different and individual as the beings they share.”

Okay, that’s about the coolest thing Luz has learned about this place yet, by far. “What about you, Hooty?”, Luz asks, eager to hear as much as she can right now.

“Me? I’m still colorblind, hoot-hoot!”

Shit, she didn’t expect that answer. Isn’t Hooty, like, a thousands-of-years-old demon?

“Oh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to be insensitive!” Luz hurries to apologize but Hooty doesn’t seem bothered at all. On the contrary, he’s just as cheerful as ever. 

“I don’t care! You simply don’t meet as many other people when you’re a house, hoot-hoot. And hearing is my favorite sense, anyways!”

Not any less fascinated than relieved, Luz holds her fist out for him to bump into it with his forehead in their very own version of a fist bump. “You’ve got this, Hooty.”

“See, kid?” Eda asks with a fond smile as all three of them look at Luz. “You don’t need the world to present you with your perfect match. You can make your own soul bond or even be your own soulmate. Don’t wait for anyone or anything to tell you what’s right for you or you might end up waiting your entire life. Do what feels right to you, be with whoever you want to be with. And even if they don’t make you see color, they might show you something much more valuable.”

Now, Luz has no control over her tears anymore as they begin to spill and roll down her cheeks. And before Eda can stop her, Luz stands up, walks over and embraces her in a tight hug which King and Hooty quickly join.

“Thank you.” 

Colors or not, soulbond or not - this is what feels right. This is the place where she wants to be. And this is where she’ll stay.

[deijnar]

Fighting Destiny - Prologue

The Owl House, Colorblind Soulmates AU

Summary: For all of her life, Luz has searched for a place where she fits in, where she can be herself. And once she finds that place, she thinks she couldn't be happier - until she learns that her colorblindness might mean she has a soulmate somewhere and just hasn't found them. Not yet.

For all of her life, Amity has witnessed what a horrible thing a soulmate bond is, and how it can ruin someone's life. If that choice would be hers to make, she would choose to never see color in her entire life. But it's not.

next chapter >

AO3

Ever since she has been born, her daughter has never seen color, Camila Noceda knew that. And she also knew that this never did any harm to her vibrant fantasy and her limitless ability to dream - Luz never ceased to amaze her mother about how detailed and lively she could describe a fantasy world, a scenery she just made up, without referencing any kind of color whatsoever. How she was able to let it come to life right in Camila’s imagination, no matter how little creativity her mother had within herself, was a mystery to her. 

But as unique and special her daughter’s mind worked, as hard it was for others to understand her, to connect with her. As much as her creativity defined her, as lonely it caused her to be.

Camila was scared that, one day, the world inside of her daughter’s heart would be just as dull and grey as the picture of the world she saw around herself. 

It would be better to dampen the brightness of her imagination so it wouldn’t let her end up in a lonely life in darkness.

Right?

***

“Mom, I know the snakes were maybe a bit much, I promise it won’t happen again. Really, this time I mean it! No more animals as part of my book reports!”

Luz tries to keep the desperation out of her voice as best as she can as she hops out of the car. Never has a thought scared her more than spending (and wasting) her entire summer at that weird, awfully boring-sounding summer camp. 

Her mother sighs.

“Mija, I want to believe you, really. And I believe that you actually believe what you’re saying right now. But I fear you need a little help with gaining control over that… How would you phrase it? …fire of creativity within you. You need help to be able to tell reality and fantasy apart. And that camp is just the right place for you to get that help.”Without much success, Luz tries to swallow down the lump that forms in her throat. “Mom…”

Seeing the telltale shimmer of tears in her daughter’s eyes, Camila rushes to Luz’s side to hug her. “Oh baby, this won’t be bad, I’m sure you will like it! We’re not sending you there to distinguish that fire or to stop you from expressing yourself, you know? Just to help you gain control over it. Alright? It will be fun!”

As she wipes her eyes, Luz nods. She doesn’t want to hurt her mother further, which she knows she has done before by her actions. Also, her mother would never do something to hurt her, either. And maybe she’s right, maybe this will be fun! Thinking inside the box can’t be that bad!

But although Luz keeps telling herself exactly that over and over again as she packs her bags a few nights later, the pit that seemed to have appeared in her stomach only seems to grow wider.

Is something wrong with her? If even her mother can’t accept her the way she is… Who can? Why does she not fit in? Why is she so different? Is she wrong? Defective? Does she not belong here? And if that’s true, is there a place where she belongs somewhere else? Or will she never fit in anywhere?

Firmly, Luz presses her lips together as she closes her suitcase. If there’s only the slightest chance that “Reality Check Camp” will help her to find the answers to only a few of such questions, she will go. 

And yet… as she stands by their home, waiting for the bus to pick her up, the feeling of emptiness and anxiety is gnawing at her again. But before she can drown in hurtful thoughts again, before they can devour her, the voice of her mother brings her back to reality.

“Oh, my baby!” As soon as she’s by her side, she hugs Luz tight but even that doesn’t spark the same joy it usually does within the girl. “Now, don’t worry, summer camp is only going to be for three months. You’ll be so busy balancing checkbooks and learning to… appreciate public radio, the time will fly by!”

No matter how well her mother means, no matter that these words were meant to encourage Luz; they only cause the dread about what’s ahead of her to grow. The pit inside of her stomach seems to become wider and wider, not stopping until it will have engulfed her completely - until everything that makes Luz the person she is will disappear.

“But I don’t like any of that stuff. I like editing anime clips to music and ready fantasy books with convoluted backstories.” While she explains, Luz pulls the book out of her bag that she just couldn’t leave back home, even if she wanted to: The Good Witch Azura.

“Mija, your fantasy world is holding you back. Do you have any friends?”

Luz doesn’t really want to answer that. How is her fantasy world holding her back if it’s the only place where she is allowed to be herself, where she is accepted? Why should she leave the fantasy world behind if she has to pretend to be someone she is not to fit into the real world?

“Real ones. Not imagined or drawn or reptilian.”

Right. Because else, she will be alone forever and no one will ever love her.

“Summer camp is a chance to make some friends. But you have to try. Can you do that?”

As her mother speaks, Luz stares at the book in her hands. 

Has she been wrong all this time? Is Azura really the one who understands her? Or is she the one who holds her back?Seemingly without her command, Luz’s feet carry her to the trash bin on the sidewalk. Maybe… it’s time to let go. To try something new. 

“Yes, mom.”

The moment her hands let go of the book, it feels as if she’s let go of a part of herself. Even colors wouldn’t have been able to make the picture in front of her less sad; this masterpiece, this epitome of magic and fantasy, lying in the trash by the old newspapers and empty soda bottles. 

Yet, Luz can’t bring herself to look away. 

She barely notices the buzzing of her mother’s phone. “Oh, I gotta go to work.” Not even the forehead kisses ignite any kind of warm feeling inside of her. “Your bus is coming soon, text me when you get there. Cuidate mucho, Mija. Que te vaya bien.”

“Bye, mom…”

It only takes Luz a heartbeat to turn around and frantically rummage through the trash, deeply regretting what she’s just done. But although she saw the book there just a few seconds ago, her hand doesn’t get a hold of it.

“Where is it? Where is it?!”

Panic takes over Luz. If she really has to go to this terrible camp, she can’t do it without Azura! 

Before she can even consider diving into the garbage bin, she hears the hooting of an owl. Not any less curious than confused, she looks up to really find a tiny owl only a few feet away from her. And it was holding a bag with her book in it!

The second it takes Luz to process the picture in front of her is enough for the owl to turn around and jump-fly away.

“Tiny trash thief!” 

Not wasting a single thought on the bus and the possibility that she might miss it, Luz hurries after the owl, unwilling to let it disappear with her most precious belonging. Sure, the shack it flies right into does look a bit creepy but not creepy enough to keep a passionate Azura fan like herself from entering. 

***

And, just like that, Luz finds herself on the Boiling Isles. And, just like that, she finds a person to not fit in with together. 

A person who will teach her to become a witch.

[deijnar]

Genius ♥️

The Siren

I could feel my heart beating against my chest. It was beating so loud, how could they not hear it? I pulled the ridiculously short sea-green dress down my thighs, wishing I were somewhere else. Peeking outside, I scanned the room, taking note of the regulars and the newcomers. “You ready, Sugar?” I whirled around just as Shepherd slung his arm around my shoulders, peeking through the makeshift curtains, as well. A smirk appeared on his clean-shaven face, the rings on his fingers glinting against the spotlight, catching my eye. I shuddered, looking at the rings, each one having a different symbol etched onto the band. “As ready as I’ll ever be, Shep.” I answered, taking a deep breath. His lips brushed across my cheek and I fought the urge to shudder once more. “You’ll do great. Just stick to the plan, Sugar.” With that, he left, walking to the other side of the curtain, into the middle of the bar. Just like we planned. I heard the bartender –Wolf, we called him –speak into the microphone set-up on a small platform, our makeshift stage. He called out my name and I stepped out from behind the curtains, the spotlight making me squint my eyes for a moment before it adjusted. A bar stool waited for me and I sat on top of it, the microphone close to my lips. I closed my eyes, listening to my own heartbeat as it quickened, swelling into a crescendo– There was no one in the room. Just me. Just my music. I grabbed the microphone in my hands just as I heard the soft music come in from the speakers set up around the dimly lit bar. And then I opened my mouth –and sang. I didn’t open my eyes, letting the music wash over me, soothing my body, filling my mind, consuming my soul. It was like a fire, a fire that was slowly eating me alive. My voice, my being –it intertwined with the melody and each note was a spark, each word causing the flames to dance to life around me. At last, the song came to a halt. I opened my eyes to the loud applause of the people inside the bar. Some people were screaming, asking me to sing another song. But that wasn’t the plan. It only took one song to reel them in anyway. With a smile, I got to my feet and stepped down the stage, making my way to the back of the bar, towards the exit. Most of the regulars would’ve already went back to their usual business, used to the bar’s routine. I heard excited chatter behind me as I reached the door; the nervous beating of my heart drowned the different voices out though. I pushed the door open and stepped out into the night, the coolness of the air hitting me hard. A few seconds later, the door swung open as Shepherd came out, handing his black leather jacket to me. I accepted it and hurriedly pushed my bare arms into the armholes, pulling it close to my body. Shepherd was smiling at me, taking out his lighter; an image of a mermaid was engraved into the silver metal and he flicked the lid open, using it to light his cigarette. I avoided his gaze, staring instead on the cars passing by on the streets. I heard him exhale and smelled the smoke floating towards me; I coughed. Taking the hint, Shepherd moved to stand in front of me instead, facing the street as well; he knew that the smoke might damage my voice and he didn’t want that to happen. He couldn’t afford to damage me. Not again. “As usual, Sugar, you enchanted them.” I didn’t answer. I didn’t know what to say. “Ten minutes. I’ll meet you inside.” With that, Shepherd threw his cigarette to the ground and went back into the bar. The door opened and I briefly heard the booming laugh of Rocky from inside. The door shut behind him and I was alone. I sighed. Alone. Finally. This was the only time of the day that I cherished –the silent rolling of the waves before they crashed against the shore. Leaning back against the wall, I wrapped my arms around me, closing my eyes and swallowing back the tears. “Angel.” I gasped and stepped back, my eyes focusing on the man standing in front of me. He wore a plain white shirt, a stark contrast to his black jeans. His dark brown hair looked windblown, the thick brown leather bracelet still wrapped around his right wrist. “You can’t be here.” I whispered, taking another step back, shaking my head. I could hear my heart thudding against my chest, threatening to reveal the fear that coursed through my body. “I needed to see you. To hear you.” He reached out to me, closing the space between us. He caught my hands in his but I pulled away, my eyes darting to the door, afraid that it would open and Shepherd would come out. “Please, Jet, please go.” I said quietly. “I will. But you’re coming with me.” Jet replied, pulling me into his arms. I laid my head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. It was so calm –like the ocean. “I’m not taking no for an answer, Angel.” Jet said, kissing the top of my head and pulling me closer to him. “You know I can’t. I can’t escape him, Jet. He’ll kill us both if he finds out.” I whispered, pushing him away. But he refused to let me go, settling his hands on my waist instead. “I won’t let that happen to you, Angel. You know that.” Jet said, his grip on my waist tightening. His jaw tensed and I knew he was thinking of that time. The time when Shepherd caught me talking to a guy I wasn’t supposed to and had hit me. “I can’t risk it. I can’t risk you.” “And I won’t just stand by while he takes control of your life, Angel.” “Her name’s Sugar.” I pushed Jet away, my blood running cold. Jet stood in front of me, his fists clenching at his sides. Shepherd had his arms crossed and he stared at me with a frown. “After all I’ve done for you, Sugar,” he said, a murderous look on his face. His eyes travelled from me to Jet, who stood between Shepherd and I. “This is how you repay me. By choosing little Jetty over our family.” “Fuck you, Shep. You don’t get to call yourself her family after what you’ve put her through.” Jet replied. “And you do?” Shepherd laughed. “Please. You barely know her. Do you know what that girl has done for me? For our family?” A smile spread across Shepherd’s face and I felt as if I was caught in a wave, the waters pulling me beneath the surface. Drowning me. Jet’s muscles tensed. “I love her. Not that you understand that concept.” Shepherd’s frown deepened, his arms falling to his sides. “Well I’ll be damned if I let you walk away with my girl. Hell, I’ll be damned if I let you walk away at all.” I froze. “No, Shep. Don’t do this, please.” I felt two thick arms around my waist and I let out a cry as Rocky pulled me against him, trapping me. Before Jet could turn around, Shepherd swung his arm. Jet narrowly missed Shepherd’s punch; he ducked and threw his own punch but Shepherd had been in enough fights to know his opponent’s possible moves. “Rocky, let me go, please!” I cried, struggling against his grasp. Rocky sighed sadly behind me. “I’m sorry, Sugar.” Wolf burst out from the back door, along with Sheep and Dusk. They saw Jet and Shepherd fighting and then they looked at me, struggling against Rocky’s grip. Dusk shot me a sad look. Jet punched Shepherd’s face and Shepherd reeled back, shocked that someone had managed to land a punch on him. “Let her go, Shep. You know she deserves better than this.” Jet said quietly. Shepherd’s eyes narrowed to Jet and he cracked his knuckles, standing straighter. “You’re not going to last the night, Jetty. I gave you a chance to walk away! Why can’t you just walk away?” “I’m not walking away from her, Shep.” “Well fuck you! My debt has been paid in full, Jetty! I don’t owe you anything!” Shepherd bellowed. Then his eyes turned sad. For a moment, I thought Shepherd was going to change his mind. He’d been friends with Jet ever since they were children. But Shepherd gestured to Wolf, Sheep and Dusk. “Kill him.” “No!” I screamed, trying to free myself from Rocky in vain. “Jet! Run!” “C’mon.” Shepherd told Rocky, holding the door open for Rocky and I. Rocky gripped my wrist tightly, yanking me towards the bar. I looked back at Jet and saw that he managed to punch Sheep on his jaw but Wolf got a jab at Jet’s shoulder and Dusk stood to the side, pulling up the back of his shirt. I saw the glint of the gun before Dusk even pulled it out. “No! Please, Shep, please! I’ll do anything! Just let him go! Please!” I cried, tears streaming down my cheeks. Rocky dragged me into the bar and Shepherd slammed the door behind us. He pulled out his gun, raised his arm into the air and fired. I winced and shook my head, trying to get my hearing back; it was so close, too close. All at once, people around the bar panicked. Everybody in there that wasn’t in our “family” ran for the door, shoving and pushing one another. Rocky yanked my arm and pulled me into the middle of the bar, near the stage. There was an uncomfortable look on his face and I knew that he never wanted to hurt me, didn’t mean to hurt me. Shepherd, on the other hand, yanked me out of Rocky’s grip and slammed the butt of his gun to my temple. I fell to the ground, hitting the mic stand in the process. The microphone hit the floor with a thud. My vision spun and I could feel something sticky dripping down the side of my face. “Jesus, Shep! You’re going to kill her!” Bait yelled. “She’s of no use to us anymore.” “What about the rules, Shep? Huh?” Rocky’s thunderous voice boomed somewhere above me. I struggled to get to my feet but my head felt like it weighed a ton. “We stick together, no matter what. Was that just bullshit?” “She’s not one of us anymore! She broke the rules!” Shepherd screamed, a maniacal edge to his voice. “What rule, Shep? She never left, for God’s sake! She’s still here with us!” Rocky retorted. I managed to pull myself together long enough to get to my feet, grabbing onto the bar stool that was still on stage for support. “Step aside, Rocky! I’m going to kill her!” My gaze snapped back to Shepherd, who was looking at me with wild eyes. The sound of my heartbeat roared in my ears and I couldn’t breathe, knowing this could be the last night of my life. Rocky blocked Shepherd’s view of me. “No. Dammit, Shepherd. This isn’t you. Pull yourself together!” And then there was a gunshot. For a moment, nobody moved. Bait, Bell, Don and Star didn’t move, their eyes wide, mouths agape. Then, Rocky fell to the ground, a bullet lodged in his skull. Star screamed, her hands flying to her mouth as she stumbled back, fear evident in her eyes. Don rushed to her side, holding her in his arms. “Oh my God.” Bait whispered, his voice shaking. “What the hell, Shep?!” Bell bellowed, rushing towards Shepherd and grabbing a fistful of his shirt. “You killed Rocky! He’s our brother! How could you–” Shepherd shoved Bell to the ground and shot him in the head as well. I saw Don leading Star to the exit, running as fast as they could. Bait couldn’t move, he was so scared; he was so young. Shepherd turned his gaze to me. I froze. “You made me lose everything, Sugar. Everything.” “I didn’t make you shoot Rocky and Bell!” I screamed, tears streaming down my cheeks. “You were supposed to be mine!” Shepherd snarled, striding towards me. I tried to run to the back door but Shepherd pulled me back, slamming my back against the wall. “You’re an ungrateful bitch, Sugar! After everything! After all I’ve done for you this is how you repay me?!” Two gunshots sounded outside and I screamed. “You hear that? That’s the sound of your boyfriend crumpling to the ground, dead! That’s right, he’s dead! And now Rocky and Bell are dead too! Do you hear me?! They’re dead! They’re all dead because of you!” “Let me go, Shepherd!” I yelled, shoving him with all I had. He held the barrel of his gun to my head and I stared him in the eye, all the anger and hatred and pain finally rising to the surface. “Do it! Shoot me! I dare you, Shepherd! Kill me!” “Don’t think I won’t!” he yelled back angrily, pressing the barrel into the side of my head. “If Jet’s dead then I have nothing to live for! Come on, kill me! I dare you!” Flames danced in his eyes and anger and hurt was plainly visible on his face. Bang. Shepherd’s eyes widened. I stopped breathing. Our eyes met and in that moment, I saw the smiling face of Shepherd, nudging me gently towards the dingy makeshift stage, encouraging me to pursue my dream. To sing. He looked down, then fell back, collapsing to the ground just as blood spread through his shirt. “Angel?” Jet’s voice pulled me out of the nightmare in front of me. I looked to my side and saw him holding Dusk’s gun. There was a cut on his lower left eye, a long gash on his other cheekbone and it looked like skin had torn from his knuckles. But he was alive. I ran to him, throwing my arms around him. “I thought you were dead. Oh God, thank you. You’re here. You’re here, Jet. Thank God.” He pulled me close, burying his face in my hair. “I’m here. I thought he had taken you away. I can’t lose you.” His voice broke at the last words as he held onto me fiercely, like he was never going to let me go. I heard a gun clatter on the ground and looked behind me. Dusk had kicked Shepherd’s gun to the middle of the room, too far for Shepherd to reach. Dusk looked like he had taken a few hits himself, and I was again grateful that I had him as a friend. Bait was still standing where he was a few minutes ago, seeming rooted to the ground. I didn’t blame him; he was new and had never seen Shepherd kill a man before. Tonight, Shepherd killed two of our brothers. “Sorry, brother,” Dusk whispered to Shepherd. Shepherd stared at him and I realized that he was still alive. Shepherd chuckled and we could hear a gurgling sound coming from his throat, then he spit blood to the ground. “You bastards. So was this the plan? In the end…you ungrateful bastards…kill me?” “We never wanted anyone to get hurt.” Dusk said. “You brought it upon yourself and our family. Now look at where’s it gotten you, Shep.” Shepherd laughed still and I winced, knowing that the sound of his dying laughter would forever haunt me in my sleep. “I…made this family! Huh…can’t believe…you would bet…ray me, Dusk…Brother…” “I didn’t betray you,” Dusk replied quietly. “You betrayed us.” Shepherd tried to lift his head from the floor. His eyes found mine and I clutched the front of Jet’s shirt, terrified. “If…I can’t…have you…Sugar…nobody will.” He withdrew the lighter from his pocket, flicked it open and threw it to the wooden floorboards, chuckling. The flames crawled over the floor, quick to spread thanks to all the alcohol people have spilled on it. Dusk’s eyes widened and he ran for Bait, grabbing the kid and pulling him to the other exit. Jet grabbed my hand and we made our way out of the building, using the back door as our escape. Jet pushed open the door and ushered me outside; I followed him and he closed the door to the bar, breathing hard. I looked at Wolf and Sheep, lying dead in the back of the alley. “Let’s go, Angel.” Jet grabbed my hand and led me to the front of the bar, where Dusk and Bait were standing, staring as the bar we all came to call home for the past few years was engulfed in flames. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, to everyone. Dusk shook his head and when our eyes met, I understood. “Are you okay, Angel?” Jet asked me, his expression anxious. And for the first time in my life, I nodded –and meant it. “We should go before the cops arrive.” Dusk said, shooting a worried glance a Bait, who was just staring at the ground, apparently still in shock. All of us started to move away. But I looked back. I looked back at the flames dancing in the bar’s windows, the smoke coming out of the open door. No one in town could ever understand why that bar was still in business; it offered the same things that the other bars in town offered but its interior and façade were old, out of place, out of its time. Nobody understood why people flocked to that bar every night. Nobody understood why. The blinking sign just above the door was now covered in smoke, but I knew that sign. I knew what it meant. I knew why people were drawn to that bar. “Angel?” The smoke cleared and for a fraction of a second, I saw her. She was smiling, her face outlined by the blinking neon lights. Her hand stretched out to me, beckoning me to go back. She was so calm, so peaceful, sitting atop a boulder, her tail stretched out for everyone to see. I considered going back. But the smoke rose and she disappeared behind it. I pulled Shepherd’s leather jacket tighter around me, my final memory of him and everyone who died in the bar. “Angel?” Jet said, laying a hand on my shoulder. “Goodbye, Shep.” My heartbeat slowed to a normal as we walked away from the burning bar, the ocean finally calm once more.

Buy me a Mango Shake? (｡◕‿‿◕｡)

[deijnar]

🎟️ CIRCUS SHOP EXTENDED! 🎟️

A SURPRISE ADDITION TO THE SHOP~

Pre-orders are open until September 18, 2021!

>> VISIT OUR STORE HERE <<

[deijnar]

This project made me identify as a writer again. I loved to work on these pieces so much and I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity.

Y’all should check it out, this zine will be amazing! 🎪💞

🎟️ZINE PREVIEW🎟️

For those with a penchant for sweets, make sure to stop by @deijnar's tent when you visit Cirque du Mystique~!

Pre-orders are open until September 4, 2021!

>> VISIT OUR STORE HERE <<

[deijnar]

It's here ❤🎪

PRE-ORDERS OPEN

THE CIRCUS IS HERE!

Gleaming and glittering with gold and wondrous surprises for young and old~ Come and join the traveling crew of this fantastic show!

May you find joy and delight with the surprises they have prepared!

Ringmaster's Chest Magician's Bag Diviner's Fortune Jester's Loot Harlequin's Tricks Troupe Package Clown's Gift Shop

Visit our TICKET BOOTH to reserve your seat!

[deijnar]

Something’s Hatching~

If you want to find out what’s the crew planning, make sure to keep an eye out to what’s coming!

Follow our other social media for interactions and more information about the best performers on the world!

🎪 𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕋𝔸𝔾ℝ𝔸𝕄

🎈𝕋𝕎𝕀𝕋𝕋𝔼ℝ

[deijnar]

Something’s Hatching~

If it’s a kiss from Zen there’s nothing else to wish for!! But if you want to know, make sure to be around.

Follow our other social media for interactions and more information about the best performers on the world!

🎪 𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕋𝔸𝔾ℝ𝔸𝕄

🎈𝕋𝕎𝕀𝕋𝕋𝔼ℝ

[deijnar]

I don't know how many of you remember but this is about the absolutely amazing Mystic Messenger Circus zine I am very proud to be a part of! If you are interested, don't miss out and follow their account immediately! 🎪🎡

@mysmecircuszine

Pre-orders will open soon and, as you can see, there's a little event/game ahead of us~

[deijnar]

I don't know how many of you remember but this is about the absolutely amazing Mystic Messenger Circus zine I am very proud to be a part of! If you are interested, don't miss out and follow their account immediately! 🎪🎡

@mysmecircuszine

Pre-orders will open soon and, as you can see, there's a little event/game ahead of us~

[deijnar]

Jaehee - Setting The Mood

𝒜𝒻𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒹𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝓈𝑒𝒶𝓇𝒸𝒽 𝒻𝑜𝓇 ℳ𝓇. ℋ.. ℛ𝒾𝓃𝑔𝒶𝓂𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓇 ℋ𝒶𝓃, ℐ 𝓊𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓇𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝑒𝒶𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑜𝒻 “𝓂𝑜𝑜𝒹𝒷𝑜𝒶𝓇𝒹𝓈” 𝒷𝑒𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇. ℐ 𝒹𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒹𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝑜𝓌𝓃, 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝒽𝑜𝓃𝑒𝓈𝓉, ℐ 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝑒𝓍𝒸𝒾𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒾𝓉 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊. ℐ 𝒽𝑜𝓅𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝒾𝓉, ℳ𝒞.

ℐ'𝓂 𝒸𝓊𝓇𝒾𝑜𝓊𝓈 𝒾𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝒹 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝑒? ℐ 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒾𝓇𝒸𝓊𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝑒𝓎𝑒𝓈.

Join Jaehee and the rest of the Mysme Circus crew. Create your moodboard and amaze the performers of this amazing show~

If you’d like to create one please read more about the event here: SETTING THE MOOD - A Mysme Circus Event!!

We can’t wait to see what you create, MC!

[deijnar]

Very proud to be part of this amazing project! My first zine as a contributor! 🥳

🎡 𝕮𝖔𝖓𝖙𝖗𝖎𝖇𝖚𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝕷𝖎𝖓𝖊𝖚𝖕 🎡

Ta-daaaaa~ ✨ that's right, step on up, it's the time to show a few more of our wonderful contributors! 🎉

You want to see these dazzling people yourself? Well say no more, all you have to do is click their name 🥳

🎪 7070-0707

✨ @lunarlanding

🎟️ Elksin_Sane

🎡 @deijnar

[deijnar]

The only one who makes me nervous

Incredible but true - I wrote something! And am posting it!

This is my piece for the great @mysme-rbb and I got to collaborate with @braincellbank, definitely check their artwork out! The CMC used in this is theirs ^-^

You can also find the fic on Ao3!

So here goes a lot of fluffy, cute Jaehee pining~

╰⊱♥⊱╮●╭⊱♥≺

With suspicion, Jaehee squints her eyes at the ingredients on the countertop of her and Lila's brand new cafe. After months of preparation and an almost breakdown when she asked them to become her partner for this adventure, Jaehee's dream finally comes true - a cute, domestic yet elegant cafe that she owns with her best friend.

But…

"There was more chocolate."

Lila's eyes widen and they furrow their eyebrows, looking at the potential crime scene as well. "Huh? What do you mean?" They check the scale. "It's the exact amount we need for the recipe."

Jaehee shakes her head, looking at the pieces in the bowl. "I could have sworn I put more in there…"

"You're probably just nervous! We're about to bake our very first cake for the cafe, isn't it exciting?" 

The way they beam at Jaehee makes her chest feel warm and her knees go a little weak, causing Jaehee to forget what she was just thinking about entirely.

"That must be it, I'm sure you're right. This is what I've dreamed of for a very long time, I feel all… fluttery inside." To hide her soft chuckle, Jaehee turns her head away a little and shields her mouth with one of her hands. Showing emotion is still… foreign to her and she is still shy about it.

Lila clicks their tongue in disapproval. "Now come over here and let me see that stunning face of yours, we have work to do! I'm all excited for this too but I'm waiting for the proper view." Demanding, they motion to the space across from them, followed by a little wink.

As all of Lila's teasing does, their comment makes Jaehee's heart hiccup in her chest, a too familiar heat already painting her cheeks in a soft blush. There’s only one way to deal with them when they get like that…

Speaking Korean, especially if the sentences are long and spoken fast, is the only way for Jaehee to feel like she is still somewhat in control when she is around Lila. Given that Korean is not their first language and they’re still learning, they tend to get really sheepish when they don’t understand something. And, for Jaehee, it’s the only weapon she has to not let Lila’s boldness knock her out. 

Normally, she speaks English around them or slow, easy Korean. But not in moments like this.

“If only you knew what you’re doing to me with such behavior…” 

Jaehee keeps her voice low and talks fast, even a fluent speaker would have had trouble to understand her.

“What was that?” The cocky grin on their face immediately shrinks to a shy expression and Jaehee can’t help but feel a little guilty, although relieved. 

Of course she hates it to make her friend feel insecure, she wants to make them feel just as strong and support them just as much as they do for her. But sometimes she has to do this, only to not combust due to the hidden feelings in her heart.

“Oh, nothing. Let’s start baking.” With a somewhat apologetic smile, she walks up to Lila and stands on the other side of the countertop, looking at the instructions in front of her. Now, she has to fire Lila’s confidence in themself again. “How about you start with the dough while I try out these decorations? Your doughs always turn out amazing.” The proud gleam in Lila’s eyes that Jaehee likes to see so much is back immediately. “They do indeed. What are you making?” Curiously, they get to their tiptoes, trying to get a peek of the picture she is holding. “Some flowers.” Calculating, she leans her head to the side, inspecting the pictures as well, lowering the piece of paper so it's easier for Lila to see. “I’ve never tried to make these before but I wanted to set myself a challenge. Hopefully, they’ll turn out fine.” “I’m sure they’ll turn out perfect. Like you.” One of Lila’s hands lands on Jaehee’s cheek, presumably for encouragement, and Jaehee can practically feel their chuckle as she straightens as if the touch burned her skin. Which it really seems to do, given how hot she feels all of a sudden. “Y-yes. I… Maybe. Yes, I’ll do my best.”

Not knowing what else she could possibly say that wouldn’t give away how fast her heart is beating, Jaehee gets to work. She presses her lips together and tries to ignore Lila’s gaze she can clearly feel on herself as she begins to knead and color the fondant. 

Luckily, Lila decides to be merciful and not make any more comments that get Jaehee out of her concentration, maybe so they can get to work as well. 

It doesn’t take the young woman long to forget everything around herself as she fully focuses on the task at hand. She gets lost in the thrill of trying new, challenging things and the rewarding feeling when an experiment with one of her utensils works out, giving the flowers as they are described in the instructions her own twist. One petal after the next is formed and, after some time, Jaehee finds a routine, the activity having a quite calming and almost meditative effect on her. 

Her thoughts wander.

And, as they do so very often, they wander to the wonderful person standing in front of her right now. 

It’s been a few months since they’ve met, got to know each other and even ended up as close as they are right now. Not much, in Jaehee’s opinion, and yet she can barely recall a time where Lila hasn’t been in her life, much less can or does she want to imagine a future without them. They have saved her from her monotone, stressful life that never would have gained her any kind of happiness and turned it upside down. They have turned it into an unpredictable, exciting adventure, the only goal being to chase their dreams and find joy. Together.

Never again does Jaehee want to be without Lila’s stirring presence that doesn’t only bring spice but also light into her life.

Of course it hadn’t been easy for Jaehee to admit to herself that she’d fallen in love. Of course she had been scared of rejection, of the possible heartbreak. Of the risks that come with loving someone so deeply, even after such a short period of time, only falling deeper for their captivating soul more and more with every passing day. 

But no matter how strong her fears had been, by that, they only became the evidence for her feelings for Lila. And finally, after multiple sleepless nights, Jaehee had not only faced the truth that she’s helplessly lost her heart to the best friend she’s ever had, she also came to the conclusion that all of this turmoil is worth it. That the nagging fear is nothing compared to the exciting tingle that runs from the center of her stomach through her entire body as soon as Lila walks into the room. That a possible heartbreak is a price she is willing to pay, as long as she gets to feel the way she does for a little while longer every time Lila smiles at her, only her.

And now, they’re working together, they’re partners. Maybe they’ll never be more than that, friends and partners, but Jaehee knows that, at least, they will always be together. Even if she should slip one day - Lila won’t just leave her for the way she feels. In that, Jaehee trusts unconditionally. In Lila, she trusts unconditionally.

Before she knows it, she’s used up the last bit of fondant, has created the last flower for the day. Proudly, Jaehee looks down at the decorations in front of her, all kinds of blossoms in many different colors, shades and sizes spreading out on the table. 

"I did it!" The excitement in her voice is very clear and maybe, normally, she would try to conceal it to keep her countenance. But right now, she's way too happy and feels way too safe and comfortable with Lila to even care.

"I knew it!" There's some flour on Lila's cheek as they grin at Jaehee. "I told you they'll look perfect. You did it!"

Far from sick of looking at her own creations, Jaehee smiles down at the sugary decoration in front of her again. Then, she turns her head up to look at Lila again, unaware of the fact that her friend had just started leaning forward to peck her cheek. 

Lila's lips land on the corner of Jaehee's mouth and she freezes. Time seems to stop and so does her heartbeat.

As to be expected, Lila isn't fazed by it at all. On the contrary, they seem to enjoy it quite a lot judging by the amused grin on their face and the fact that they stay much closer than they'd need to. They're not even saying anything and yet Jaehee feels like she will be reduced to an inarticulate, blushy mess in mere seconds. 

There’s nothing she can do but pointedly look to the side to stop her brain from short-circuiting. No matter how much she wants to look at her stunning friend, she can’t, knowing that, if she would, she couldn't rip her eyes off the lips she so badly wants to feel on hers.

And at that moment, there's just one thing Jaehee can do.

"While investing in the stock market, it's very important to maximize the possible outcome for your transaction while simultaneously minimizing the risk you take."

Although she's speaking her native tongue, Jaehee stumbles over her own words with how quickly she is saying them. Also, she's not even sure if what she just said actually makes sense.

Yet, the words have the effect she was desperately hoping for - Lila softly shakes their head, the threateningly teasing expression on their face making way for utter confusion as they subconsciously draw back a few inches.

Jaehee hates it as much as it makes her feel relieved.

"What?"

"Nothing!" Quickly, Jaehee turns to face the table again, unnecessarily starting to sort the flowers still laying there by size. If she's confronted with that gorgeous face any longer, she won't be able to hold back anymore. "We should-"

Before she can bring up her suggestion to give the cake more layers than they'd originally planned, Lila gently places their hand on hers on the table between them. 

If she is honest to herself, Jaehee knows that she wants nothing to be between them anymore, to separate them.

At first, she still refuses to look at Lila. Even without getting lost in those lovely eyes of the person that saved her from the miserable life she has been living - the speed of her heartbeat is already concerning. 

But the light caress of their soft fingers on her skin makes her slowly, carefully, look up at them again, bringing her even closer to the figure she wants to embrace and never let go. 

She really wants the piece of furniture gone.

"Do I truly make you this nervous?"

Lila's voice is low and raw, not hiding the emotions behind their words. They sound surprisingly hopeful and… a little scared?

Not trusting her voice to do what she wants, Jaehee just nods. Shouldn't Lila know about the effect they have on her? With how much they've been playing around with it, Jaehee has been convinced they know.

But Lila shakes their head.

"I mean, is it me who makes you nervous? Or is it the flirting, the teasing? Would you get flustered by anyone acting like this?"

Trying to calm down her rapidly beating heart, Jaehee shakes her head. She swallows, wanting her words to be audible and the truth in them to be apparent. 

"I get flustered because it's you, Lila. It's not just the teasing. Everything you do makes me nervous somehow. But at the same time, you're the only person that can truly calm me down."

As to prove her statement, she nervously averts her gaze. She doesn't know much about friendship and how it works, she's worried she's said too much. And Lila is so close… Concentrating is impossible.

Time seems to be standing still. 

This may be because Lila stands still, a thing they usually never do. It makes Jaehee feel a bit uneasy, she isn't sure what to think of this or what to expect, it's so atypical for her friend.

Her thoughts keep running, trying to figure out what exactly is happening right now and how to act further. Eventually, after not finding any satisfying answer, Jaehee decides to slowly turn her head back to look at Lila again. 

The intensity in Lila's eyes keeps her in place as soon as their gazes lock. Now both of them seem to be frozen in time, just staring at each other.

(by @braincellbank​)

Jaehee has no idea what this means or what step should be taken next, let alone by whom. She just knows that she doesn't want to look away.

When Lila finally moves, it happens suddenly and fast. 

Jaehee's eyes widen when they suddenly jerk forward, and they widen even more as Lila presses their lips to hers.

It takes Jaehee's brain a moment to catch up to what's happening, to understand it. To understand that this is real, that what she's secretly dreamed of and fantasized about for weeks and months truly is happening, right here and now.

But as soon as it sinks in, her eyes flutter closed and her free hand, the one Lila isn't touching, finds their cheek.

The kiss feels like heaven.

Soon, Lila relaxes into Jaehee's touch and the frantic, nervous hectic of the firm pressing of their lips shifts into a soft, loving exploration.

In no time, Jaehee is entirely captivated, forgetting that the world exists around them and even if she would remember, she wouldn't care. All she cares about is Lila. 

Lila's touch, their warmth, their scent. The fact that this kiss feels even better than she could have ever imagined it. 

Her heart beats so fast it seems like it's trying to fly out of her chest to catapult itself into the sky to rejoice.

And Lila's lips taste so sweet…

Too sweet.

With a gasp, Jaehee breaks the kiss.

"You did snack on the chocolate! I knew it!"

Throwing their head back, Lila laughs, their earlier stillness nowhere to be found anymore. Their smile is just as wide as Jaehee's and they look just as happy as her.

Jaehee couldn't care less about the chocolate.

"Guess you've caught me." Another sly smile makes it to their lips. "Guess I'll have to make up for it…"

A quiet, displeased noise slips over Jaehee's lips as Lila draws back. But soon, they've made their way around the table and Jaehee finds herself in their arms, embracing them as well on instinct. 

"I don't think I want to bake anymore today." 

They're both grinning at each other before their lips meet in another kiss.

[deijnar]

Calling all MCs!

Did you know we have an Instagram account? Well, in 2 days we'll be launching a special game in our IG Stories! We hope the lovely MCs can participate, maybe you'll even find a surprise waiting at the end! ;)

Don't miss it! It'll only be available for 24 hours!

[deijnar]

ME

Been thinking about ♥︎her♥︎ alot recently <33